Sound Transit to expand permit parking for solo drivers

Starting in October, solo drivers will have the option of buying parking permits for Sound Transit’s busiest station. It’ll allow commuters an opportunity to park in areas traditionally reserved for permit holders.

RELATED: Sound Transit’s Federal Way light rail project is millions over budget

The Sound Transit Board approved the move on Thursday to expand the parking permit program. But it only applies to these stations:

–Mukilteo, Edmonds, Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Sumner, Puyallup and Lakewood Sounder stations;
–The Federal Way Transit Center, Issaquah Transit Center and Mercer Island Park-and-Ride
–Tukwila International Blvd and Angle Lake Link light rail stations
–The Northgate Mall Park-and-Ride (scheduled to open in October)

Sound Transit says that’s about 50 percent of parking spaces will be set aside for those with permits.

“For thousands of daily commuters, especially those living in suburban communities, driving to a transit facility is their fastest way to connect to our trains and buses,” said Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Peter Rogoff. “Light rail will reach Northgate in 2021 and the Eastside in 2023, with more expansions to come. Giving solo drivers the option to use permits for a reliable place to park means their days of hunting for a parking space will soon be over.”

Sound Transit officially launched its permit program for carpoolers and HOV drivers in 2016 at nine light rail and Sounder stations. It says the HOV permit program grew to more than 280 participating carpools. However, the complaints mounted about the difficulty in finding parking spaces at the stations. The agency is launching the solo program in response to those complaints.

Deputy shoots, kills man at Kent Station parking garage

Funds raised from the permit program will go to the ST3 System Access Fund to improve station access and safety.

Get more information on the permit program here.

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest